Second German Police Force Buys EC 155B

Asian Aerospace 2000 -- Following the German Federal Border Guard's order for 13 Eurocopter EC 155B light transport helicopters, a second German police force has ordered the type. Sale of two to the police of Baden-Wurttemberg was announced by the Franco-German manufacturer at the show yesterday.

The two helicopters will be equipped with searchlights, weather radar, a homing system, autopilot and - after last month's certification for single-pilot IFR operation - a 'glass' cockpit compatible with night-vision goggles.

Delivery is scheduled for March next year. The two EC 155Bs will be employed for a wide variety of law enforcement missions, including searches and manhunts, surveillance, the coordination of ground troops and transport of personnel.

By Bob Rodwell